Oil on all spark plug threads... How screwed am I?

https://imgur.com/a/YlYdNrE

Basically the title. I've noticed a good amount of piston slap also that seems to come and go. Give it to me straight boss. Could it be as simple as a valve cover leak? Odd that it's on all cylinders.

120k miles 2012 trd sport DCSB

edit: sparkplugs have been in for about 15k miles or so, and decided to switch back to OEM. Piston slap was there before spark plugs were in so it seems like I was sold a dud from the dealership.

 

If the valve covers are leaking, I’d expect to see oil above the threads and on the coil boots.

 

going by an old pic chart I'd go with valve cover
your insulators look nice and white and the oil looks wet

 

what are the odds that the piston rings are worn at this mileage? Wondering since I picked it up last year, and of course my dumbass took it in for the free oil changes where they overfilled the oil TWICE by what looked like almost 2 quarts. I didn't stop to check until I noticed the piston slapping when it was warm. I'm furious to say the least since of course I don't have evidence other than my texts and calls to the dealership about it until it went away. Wouldn't be as pissed if I didn't pay 25k for it as a clean example(assuming they likely dry ice blasted everything since I couldn't even see rust on most of the exhaust at the time, so I figured it would last me)

edit: Guess that's just something I'll need to deal with when I take it in. Have extended warranty also that should cover 5k but there isn't really a way to diagnose it until it completely fails stupidly enough(Used it before and was denied work until it threw a code even though the rear diff was clearly blown on my last vehicle).

 

Unless you are using oil, I wouldn’t be too concerned with it.
I guess you can do a compression test? But I’m not sure what it would help?

 

Yeah I did notice a bit of white smoke that goes away during my drive. But I'll stop the truck, and start it a few minutes later and it'll smoke? Also not burning coolant so I'm very confused as it doesn't seem like condensation that quick in SoCal weather.

 

I wouldn't worry about that, oil on the threads isn't gona hurt anything.
A cylinder that is burning oil will typically coke up the end of the spark plug, those look like new.

 

NA motor... run standard style spark plugs.

 

Oil burning is blue smoke that stinks.
My truck doesn't consume oil on the dipstick. Hopefully yours doesn't either.
That also depends on oil quality. Good high quality oil and no issues? Probably not gonna burn.
Cheap shitty oil? Easier to burn.

Overfilling can make things like the crank spinning froth up the oil into an aerated foamy mixture, rather than liquid. Which will have air pockets, and not lubricate as well, causing damage.

A quick easy way to check, is doing a compression test. You can also do leakdown and borescope inspect inside the bores to see how they look. Pretty sure borescope tool is like a $25 camera on Amazon that works with a smartphone app.

If you've never done the valve cover gaskets, you should start there and re-evaluate. They will probably need to be done anyway, possibly spark plugs as well, which you can clean or replace

Hopefully the PCV valve has been replaced

I don't see how piston rings "wear" at this mileage. They are lubricated. If they get high quality oil, they will continue to move up and down. Lubricated. Partially, if not entirely, riding on a thin film of oil between it and the wall.
Like motors that get a million miles.
Unless you go drive around with no motor oil. Then they will wear out.

 

Like this?


Just changed my valve cover gaskets. Probably didn’t need to o the coils but I did anyway


This occurred at 120K

 

The plugs look like someone put anti seize on the threads. The porcelain looks dry on both the coil and combustion chamber side.
I would put them back in and keep an eye on the dipstick for oil consumption.

 

I agree.....install the the correct plug and monitor oil consumption. Are you sure what you are hearing is piston slap? Some 4.0L Tacoma engines "tick" when first started.

 

Those plugs look really good actually! Not fouled, so I dont think its oil in the cylinders. And like others have said, Define the "Piston Slap" youre hearing. and yep, oil is bluish smoke not white, and smells like burnt oil. ALso just curious when does this "slap" occur? Under power loads? at Idle? What octane gas are you using? So many questions, sorry!

 

As the others have said. Monitor for oil use and loss. Then work from the facts.


White smoke isn't oil.

https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/what-is-my-exhaust-color-telling-me/#

Car Exhaust Smoke Colors
Light or thin white exhaust smoke
Diagnosis: Normal

Light or thin white exhaust smoke is typically water vapor. You’ll notice it the first time you start your car, especially if it's a cold day. This happens because condensation naturally collects in the exhaust system. Light or thin white exhaust smoke is common in vehicles.

Blue or gray exhaust smoke
Diagnosis: Not normal

Blue/gray exhaust smoke means there's likely an oil leak and your engine is burning oil. Time to have a qualified technician check things out. The leak could be caused by several issues like leaking valve seals, damaged piston rings, or worn cylinder walls.



Pro-Tip: Blue smoke during acceleration means your vehicle’s piston rings may be damaged. During deceleration, however, blue smoke means the cylinder heads’ valve guides are damaged. Either way, something is damaged that shouldn't be. Help your technician diagnose the issue by taking note of when the blue smoke occurs, then head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care!



Black exhaust smoke
Diagnosis: Not normal

Black exhaust smoke can appear when the vehicle is burning too much fuel. This could be caused by a clogged air filter, malfunctioning fuel injection system, a blocked manifold, or a variety of other issues. A clogged air filter won't hurt your gas mileage thanks to today’s automotive technology, says Consumer Reports, but you’ll pay for it with poor performance. Have your vehicle checked out by a technician to see why your vehicle is burning more fuel than usual.

Persistent, milky white/gray exhaust smoke
Diagnosis: Not normal

A steady stream of thick white/gray exhaust smoke coming from your tailpipe could mean there's a leaking head gasket. “In this case,” automotive writer Paul Brand explains, “the coolant would end up being heated in the combustion chambers and blown out the exhaust as the engine starts.” A coolant leak in the summer could easily lead to an overheated engine, and an overheated engine could leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Heavy white/gray exhaust smoke pouring from your tailpipe could also mean a cracked block or cylinder head—both very serious problems that should be addressed quickly. Waiting too long could cost you in repairs.

If your exhaust is sending up smoke signals, play it safe and visit the professionals. Your car may be trying to inform you of an oil leak, broken engine part, a clogged filter, or something else. Find your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care and bring your vehicle in for a courtesy inspection today, and if needed, an important repair!

 

Tough to explain, but it sound like a rhythmic pinging that sound like a cylinder is banging around loosely. Not rod knock but a higher pitched ping that could maybe have to do with the oil pump? Not sure but its mostly synced with the injector tick. I'll try to get a video when I get the truck back later. The worry is that it happens after it's warm

 

yep, hence why I was switching back and it definitely feels more responsive with copper plugs rather than ruthenium for some reason.

 

LOL "ruthenium"?

WTF is that?


Edit:

Damn, I learned something new today. Ruthenium is a thing with spark plugs. I had never heard of them before now.

https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/products/ignition-parts/spark-plugs/ruthenium-spark-plugs

 

The reason is copper is what that engine is designed for

 

I hadn’t heard of them until someone here mentioned them.
I’m of the opinion that they are another plug not need for these trucks.

Iridium in the 2.7
Copper in the 4.0

Keep it simple.

 

Periodic Table 44...